Bacterial cellulose (BC) was used as a template for preparation of Hydrotalcite-type compounds or layered double hydroxides (LDHs) by co-precipitation method, and submitted to three aging times. Isolated composites containing LDH supported on BC (BC-LDH) were calcined to remove the organic matrix. Mixed metal oxides formed after thermal decomposition underwent reconstruction reaction in Na2CO3 solution producing again hydrotalcite-like materials (RBC-LDH). To evaluate the influence of BC on the LDH formation, it was also analyzed LDH fractions not attached to the BC fibers and LDH synthesized in absence of the polymeric membrane. XRD pattern of BC-LDH composites show broadened peaks related to the organic semi-crystalline matrix, indicating a deep level of interaction between organic and inorganic phases. Interaction is also evidenced by changes in the composites thermal decomposition profiles compared to pristine polymer. SEM images revealed formation of submicrometrical round-shaped LDH particles after removal of membrane (RBC-LDH), differently from the plate-habit exhibited by pristine LDH. Aging plays a key role in growth of all LDHs samples, leading to the formation of larger inorganic particles as time is increased. RBC-LDH aging for three days shows significant improvement in the surface area (more than three times) if contrasted to LDH prepared in BC absence.
layered double hydroxides; bacterial cellulose; polymers; template synthesis
